About this course

Entry requirements

First or 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology or a field related to the research interests of the Department.

Months of entry

October

Course content

This programme equips students with a wide range of theoretical knowledge of research methods and the ability to apply this knowledge within the field of psychology or other areas of social science. Our students leave with a tool kit of methods to use in their future research projects. In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop their practical skills in specific research methods; to develop their theoretical thinking about research; and to work closely on several of their own projects with an academic who is an active and leading researcher in their field. The objective is to equip students with the skills to design, conduct, analyse and report a wide range of research projects and make themselves efficient consumers of other people’s research. Students also acquire the communication skills and other key skills necessary to become an excellent researcher.

The MRes has ESRC recognition and can be taken as a course in its own right or as part of the ESRC 1+3 PhD structure. Students attend both Faculty-wide and Psychology-specific classes. Applications are welcome from students for any of the Department of Psychology’s three main research areas.

Research proposal

Applicants must provide a short research proposal. This is so we can see what fields of research interest you and match you to an appropriate supervisor. In your proposal, please describe a study or experiment that you might carry out during your MRes. This plan won't be binding, and might well change later in discussion with your supervisor, but it is valuable for showing us what interests you and what research methods you favour. Please also list in your proposal at least two supervisors who you think may be interested in your application. You should describe how your research interests match theirs; please also mention whether or not you have already been in contact with them. Also state how your undergraduate qualifications, postgraduate qualifications and work experience have prepared you for the research you wish to carry out and why you are seeking a place at Bath. Your proposal will ideally be 2 to 4 pages in length and will include a brief description of your proposed objectives and methods of investigation, the historical background to the project, and how it will contribute to the field (who will benefit from this research; how will they benefit; what will be done to ensure that they have the opportunity to benefit).

Information for international students

IELTS 7.0 (with at least 7.0 in each of the four components). TOEFL 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) with a score of not less than 4 in the TWE or 100 (internet-based test) with not less than 24 in each of the components.

The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Graduate School provides guidance on potential sources of funding (studentships and scholarships) for postgraduate students. For more information, please visit our website.